A new approach to worm control

by Monica Ryan

For a long time drench resistance was only considered a problem for sheep producers. Recent work on dairy farms in Gippsland and South-West Victoria has shown that resistance in cattle worm species (particularly stomach worm Ostertagia) is common to all classes of anthelmintic products. The study in Maffra dairy farms showed 100% of farms had resistance to Panacur (BZ drenches), 44% resistant to Nilverm (Levamisol drenches) and 33% resistant to mectin (ML drenches). Of greatest concern, the farms with demonstrated resistance to the mectins had resistance to all of the drenches. Given there are no alternative drench products on the market or likely to be in the medium term, these statistics send a clear message to the entire industry that prudent use should be a priority.

This has been a wake up call to ensure that we are using drenches for worm control in the most effective way. The sheep industry has dealt with this issue for over 20 years, and many of the management processes adopted by this industry in the face of anthelmintic resistance are now routine amongst producers.

Drenches given too frequently, or especially at high risk times of the year (drenching in late summer when not indicated) can influence how quickly resistance can develop. The concept of leaving some non-resistant worm eggs to dilute any resistant worm eggs (“refugia”) is a management strategy that is now in favour to limit the impact of resistance on farm.

Key approaches:

Drench cattle only when they need it.

Before routinely drenching young stock an assessment of faecal egg counts (FEC) will identify whether the herd needs it. Drenching should be done when it will have the most benefit to the herd, and to limit the opportunities for resistance to develop.

Cattle develop immunity to worms.

Cattle develop a strong natural immunity to worms, so it is young stock who are most at risk of worm burdens which cause production losses. Under normal conditions, it is not necessary to routinely drench adults over three years of age. It is a far more effective strategy to assess worm status of your herd prior to drenching, than for drenching to be a strategic annual calendar event.

Well grown stock are more resistant to worms

Well grown, seasonally well fed young stock which meet target live weights have the best opportunity to develop immunity quickly.

Well grown stock in good body condition are more resistant to worms. Routine weighing of heifers to ensure they are meeting targets for growth and reproductive management is one of the most important management tools available. Weigh time also provides the perfect opportunity to get the faecal samples needed to monitor the FEC and assess whether drenching is required.

Consider seasonal variations

Seasonal variations throughout the year and from year to year influences the requirements and timing of drenches.

Because worms live part of their life on pasture and part inside the cattle, seasonal variations from year-to-year influence worm burdens on pasture. The timing of drenches should reflect the conditions occurring for each season.

Late summer drenching, in particular, is one of the high risk practices for resistance. Assessment of worm burden through FEC before drenching at this time is highly recommended.

Patterns in FEC over time allow intimate knowledge of the seasonal influences on worm populations on individual farms. This will allow better individual forecasting of the seasonal changes which herald changes in worm burden.

Drench resistance testing is available

Drench resistance testing is available and should be considered if resistance is a concern on your farm. FEC prior to and 2 weeks after drenching can assess how effective a drench has been, and will highlight any potential resistance issues.

Worm testing kits are available from The Vet Group. Each kit comes with full instructions and a bulk test will allow for 5-15 animals to be sampled. The cost for a bulk test starts from $65.85 including a drenching advisory report.

Call 1300 838 700 to arrange a kit for your farm, or book one of our vets and techs to do it for you.

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Our HISTORY

The Vet Group is a leading provider of integrated animal health solutions within the South West region of Victoria with more than 70 years of local experience & more than 280 years combined veterinary experience. With a commitment to continuing education, training, & research, we strive to offer our clients proven solutions & up-to-date advice, veterinary services, & animal health products. We apply the latest science from around the globe & the world’s most progressive universities & distil this knowledge into practical solutions tailored to a client’s circumstances.

Our company presently has over 29,000 clients registered on our POS system & covers services provided by both companion, production animal and export teams located at our Wollaston, Allansford, Timboon, Simpson, Portland, Heywood & Smithton Tasmania clinics.

This places us at the heart of a rapidly growing regional area, & in the centre of Australia’s most productive dairy area producing a quarter of the Nation’s milk. These clinics enable us to service the entire Great South Coast Region & beyond. From these locations, we extend our service reach to other parts of Victoria, interstate & overseas.

As a locally owned company, we have a vested interest in ensuring our business understands client needs & priorities within the communities we operate. Our success depends on their success. We pride ourselves on having staff at our clinics that are customer focused, & who understand veterinary care in the context of both your beloved pets & farm animals

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Sustainability

HOW WE CARE

The Vet Group is a veterinary group and we believe in assisting our clients with the care of their animals and the environment which they reside.

The Vet Group recognises our responsibility to help protect the planet and the environment that we work in. As a group, we are committed to minimising the impact our veterinary clinics has on the environment and supporting those who are working to improve global environmental sustainability.

The Vet Group is committed to re-cycling and avoiding waste where ever possible.

The Vet Group has partnered with Zoetis on the recycling of Teatseal syringes. Farmers have been encouraged to bring back to our clinics their used Teatseal syringes and The Vet Group will assistance from Zoetis will forward these used syringes to appropriate recycling companies so that the plastics can be re-used. Great example of our commitment to sustainability.

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The Vet Group Value Proposition

The Vet Group will offer a proactive full-service model that is built around preventative based medicine delivered through a consultative advice approach, which includes education & training to ensure we deliver the best in class veterinary services & the supply of product that requires a high level of technical advice, welfare & stewardship so that we can meet the individual needs of our clients & their animals.

Mission statement

The Vet Group works to be the most trusted & respected veterinary care provider in our community by administering the best possible medical & emotional care & giving outstanding customer service to every patient & client at every visit.

To deliver a high level of integrated professional expertise in animal health, production, business, & strategic management.
To be a provider & partner in delivering innovative & proven solutions to our clients that add value, are practical, cutting edge & sustainable.
To be consistent in our service delivery through excellent customer service & an internal culture of support, sharing of knowledge & never-ending improvement.
To provide a workplace that challenges people to be their best, provides training & career paths, flexibility & challenges as well as being a great place to work.

Our Values

Our company values define us as a business. They underpin all of what we do & guide us in our day-to-day activities. We acknowledge that our team is made up of individuals who have different responsibilities, strengths & weaknesses. We embrace these differences & stand by one another knowing our core values & goals are the same. As a team we can achieve much more together than we can as individuals. The values that define us are as follows:

Science & Value

We base our service delivery to clients on the foundation of veterinary science. Proven solutions that work for our clients & that add value. This is a core philosophy of our entire team. Every service & product we provide is approached in this manner coupled with a commercial focus to ensure the success of our clients.

Respect

Every workplace is unique, & employers & employees can show respect in different ways. There are some universal ways to show respect in the workplace & improve the levels respect within your team:

listen to what everyone has to say
pay attention to non-verbal communication
practice transparency
recognise the strengths & accomplishments of others
value the time & workloads of others
delegate meaningful work
practice common courtesy & politeness
prevent bias (even implicit bias)
include everyone in meetings, discussions, & celebrations
consider how others view you & your actions
help your peers

Enjoy & Be Part of the Community

We aim to make The Vet Group a professional & enjoyable place to work for our staff. We see ourselves as part of the local community & encourage all our staff to share this sentiment. As such, we regularly support a broad range of events, clubs, & community initiatives. It’s our way of giving back to the community that provides us with so much support.

Do it Once

We do not take short cuts – we do things the right way, the best way, first time round producing better outcomes for our clients & their animals. At times this might mean we take a little longer, or we use different equipment, or even we tackle those tough challenges as a team rather than individuals. In the long run, doing it once & doing it right is our approach which we are proud of

No Barriers: Find Solutions

Veterinary science is about solving complex problems & we never rest until we have done everything within our means to help deliver quality outcomes for clients & their animals.

Our COMMUNITY

HOW WE GET INVOLVED IN OUR COMMUNITY AND CONTINUE TO HAVE A POSITIVE IMPACT

Sustainability
Scholarships
Sponsorship Program
Training & Development
Economic Development
Wellness

The Vet Group is proudly locally owned and operated. We see ourselves as part of the local community and encourage all of our staff to share this sentiment. As such, we regularly support a broad range of events, clubs and community initiatives. It’s our way of giving back to the community that provides us with so much support.

Over recent years we have supported the following community events and organisations below. For information on sponsorship of other enquiries, please email marketing@thevetgroup.com.au.